The Real Difference Between Premium And Regular Gas

Did you know that Getting premium gas for a car is said to make almost no difference in performance? The bottom line is that If it’s not required, just choose regular.

If your car doesn’t require filling up with premium gasoline, why spend much more for something that you don’t even need? The Federal Trade Commision has noted that if you use a higher octane gasoline despite the recommendation in the owner’s manual it will offer “absolutely no benefit”. Despite what you may think your car won’t go faster, or have better mileage or performance.

What is premium gasoline?

Premium gas is gasoline that consists of an octane level of at least 91 or greater opposed to regular gasoline with an octane level of 87. When the octane rating is higher, knocking in the engine is resisted and those vehicles with a greater octane rating can handle higher compression than those without. When engines that have high compression will typically require fuel with a higher octane for top performance, and efficiency found in premium gasoline.

If it’s required, choose premium.

Typically higher octane fuel is required to achieve intended performance in engines with high compression ratios. Although you may save several bucks by skipping out on premium, if your car requires it, your vehicle may become less fuel efficient and lose some of its power by using regular gasoline.

If it’s not required…

It’s your decision really. If your vehicle is only premium fuel recommended you can save yourself some green and get regular at the pump without any difference. Costing around an extra 50 cents per gallon, choosing premium over regular won’t really have any positive or negative effects to the vehicle. It really depends on your commute, the way you drive and what you’re driving, you may not even notice a difference in the way it runs and its performance.